Abstract

Rapid urbanization and environmental degradation in the built environment call for a transition to sustainable architectural techniques. Neo-vernacular architecture offers a practical answer by combining traditional architectural knowledge with cutting-edge technology to develop climate-responsive, resource-efficient, and culturally relevant designs. This study investigates the possibility of Neo-vernacular architecture as a sustainable design approach that emphasizes local materials, passive methods, and community involvement. It analyzes the works of Pritzker Prize–winning architects Alejandro Aravena, Diébédo Francis Kéré, and B.V. Doshi to see how Neo-vernacular principles contribute to ecological resilience, affordability, and social inclusivity. Their projects, which include Aranya Low-Cost Housing in India, Villa Verde in Chile, and Gando Primary School in Burkina Faso, demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique in a variety of climatic, social, and economic settings. The study focuses on how these architects use indigenous building techniques, low-impact materials, and participatory processes to promote sustainable growth while maintaining cultural identity. Despite obstacles such as legal restraints, material limitations, and opposition to change, Neo-vernacular architecture remains an essential road to sustainability. It balances environmental, economic, social, and cultural factors, providing a more comprehensive alternative to traditional architectural approaches. This study proposes a renewed emphasis on contextual flexibility, legislative reforms, and education to encourage wider adoption of Neo-vernacular principles. By adopting this approach, architecture may go beyond superficial sustainability criteria and make a significant contribution to resilient, equitable, and long-lasting built environments.